2020 Japan Visitors Dive 76%

Above, moat walls of Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan had a goal of having over 40 million foreign visitors in 2020, which also included attendees to the 2020 Olympics. That's not going to happen

Nippon.com reported:

Tokyo, July 15 (Jiji Press)--The number of foreign visitors to Japan in the first half of 2020 is estimated to have dropped 76.3 pct from a year before, the Japan National Tourism Organization said Wednesday. 

The decline was caused by travel restrictions imposed around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In June 2020 alone, the estimated number of visitors to Japan dropped 99.9 pct from a year earlier to 2,600.

The Olympics in Tokyo have been postponed to 2021.

To read more, go here.

Tokyo Olympics Postponed One Year

Above, the Wako department store in Ginza (left). Photo by Armand Vaquer

All things considered, this is the right thing to do.

Japan and the International Olympics Committee has agreed to postpone the Tokyo Summer Olympics one year due to the coronavirus.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach agreed Tuesday to postpone this summer's Tokyo Olympics for one year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Japanese leader said. 

After speaking with Bach on the phone, Abe told reporters that they will aim to hold the Olympics and Paralympics next year. 

It is the first time ever that the quadrennial sporting event has been postponed. 

The IOC will hold an extraordinary meeting to discuss the postponement of the Tokyo Games, Abe said.

To read more, go here. 

Live Japan: Top 8 Places To Visit In Tokyo

Above, the Imperial Palace's "Double Bridge". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most likely, the coronavirus that is hitting a number of Asian countries, including Japan, will subside when the weather gets warmer in the spring and summer months, just like flus and colds do.

If one is planning a trip to Japan and wonder what are the "must-dos" in Tokyo, Live Japan has some suggestions of that they consider the "top 8 places to visit".

They begin with:

Chances are that your journey to Japan will begin and end with Tokyo! This one day plan is filled with perfect places to visit in Tokyo. Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned traveler, you'll find your perfect fit with this list! 

Tokyo Orientation 

Tokyo is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Japan. Formerly known as Edo, it was a small fishing village that became the center of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s government in the 16th century. 

In 1868 it became the official capital of Japan and renamed as Tokyo, and since then it has been rebuilt after being hit by disasters as well as devastated by war. 

In 1964 the summer Olympics were held in Tokyo, and in 2020 the Olympics are coming back once again to one of the greatest and most prominent cities in the world. By the late 1970s, the metropolitan area population reached eleven million, and today nearly forty million people live here. 

As Tokyo has such a long history and covers a lot of ground, it means that there is a huge amount to see and do – but as Tokyo is so well connected even if you only have one day in this city, because of a layover or a connecting flight, you can really pack in a lot. 

To help you even more, you can get a Tokyo 1-Day Ticket, which allows unlimited use of all the subway lines and JR lines for just 1,590 yen, or a Suica or PASMO card, which can be recharged and enable easy use of the subway. 

If you are staying longer or visiting again, then the possibilities are almost unlimited: Tokyo Disneyland can take a whole day or two days, there are many recommended area tours such as going to Yokohama, or spend your time walking around and see what you can discover!

To read more, go here. 

6 Best Day Trips from Tokyo During the Olympics

Above, a visit to Mount Fuji is at the top of Tokyo Cheapo's list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is unknown to me just how many readers of this blog are planning to attend the Olympics this summer in Tokyo, but the suggestions for some day trips out of Tokyo can apply to all tourists.

Tokyo Cheapo has a list of six best day trips from Tokyo during the Olympics.

They begin it with:

Whether you’re coincidently in town during the Olympics or coming over to cheer on your country, your visit during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games is going to be a summer you’ll never forget. While there’s always plenty of excitement buzzing through the streets, sometimes, to recharge, you need to escape the city—even if just for a day. 

Luckily, Tokyo is surrounded by some of the most incredible day-trip opportunities, many of which are available in tidy package deals that not only save time on the organization side, but usually save you money too. From the majestic Mt. Fuji to the verdant valleys of Nikko, the Ghibli Museum to Gunma’s bountiful fruit farms, get out of the city and in touch with a different side of Japan. 

To make your choice easier, here’s a round-up of some of the best day trips you can take during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

To read more, go here. 

All Nippon Airways: ¥2,020 Flights To Tohoku

Above, Sendai Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People heading to Japan this summer can get a real bargain while there.

Flights to and from Tohoku for only ¥2,020 ($18.49)!

Time Out Tokyo reported:

This summer, the world will be travelling to Japan for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. Most travellers will hit up the traditional tourist route – Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka – but those looking to get off the beaten path should head up north to the Tohoku region.  

Good thing All Nippon Airways (ANA) will be offering cheap tickets at the symbolic price of just ¥2,020 for 18 domestic flights flying to and from Aomori, Odate Noshiro (in northern Akita), Akita, Shonai (in Yamagata), Sendai and Fukushima from July to September 2020. These flights are centred around Tohoku because ANA is hoping the campaign will raise awareness and improve reconstruction efforts in the areas affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. 

Flight reservations start in spring.

To read more, go here. 

2020 Olympics: Guide To Tokyo

Above, the Wako department store in Ginza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The 2020 Olympic Games will be held in Tokyo and at other locales around Japan starting in July.

For those planning to go to Japan for the Olympics and wonder where to go, things to do, where to eat and where to stay, Travel + Leisure has a guide for what they recommend for foreign visitors.

They begin with:

The year 2020 may mark the beginning of a new decade, but perhaps most importantly, a new Olympic season. And while the Summer 2020 Olympics is just starting to show up on the radar of gymnastics and swimming enthusiasts around the world, Tokyo has been in preparation mode since they were announced as the host city in 2013. It’s not just Tokyo hosting the Olympics—it’s all of Japan, really. The farthest events, soccer and the marathon, will be 725 miles north of Tokyo in Sapporo—and baseball will be in Fukushima. Apart from those three events, the other 31 sports will happen within the region of Kanto, which encompasses Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures, the most Olympic-relevant ones being Shizuoka, Kanagawa, and Yamanashi. 

In anticipation of Tokyo 2020, this guide outlines everything you need to know about the Olympic-centric neighborhoods of Tokyo. Not only did we travel to most of the neighborhoods, we checked in with Tyler Palma, Tokyo Branch Manager for InsideJapan Tours and long-time Tokyo resident for some insight into navigating the city during the 2020 Olympics. The Olympic venues have been classified into two zones: The Heritage Zone, which Palma classifies as central and western Tokyo, and the Tokyo Bay Zone, encompassing Odaiba and Tatsumi islands. 

And in terms of navigating the city, Palma can’t stress enough that public transit is the way to go, “especially during the Olympics when various roads and routes will be closed and causing major delays.” 

Travelers should expect that popular neighborhoods, restaurants, and attractions will be more crowded than usual, though Tokyo has put in a lot of effort to ensure the city will be able to handle the tourism influx. "There are monorails, underground lines, above ground train lines, trams, buses and even water buses that can zip you around Tokyo as the locals do,” said Palma. “It all seems a bit overwhelming until you arrive and realize that everything is numbered, color-coded, and labeled in English.” 

As for accommodations, hotels are booking up faster than you can imagine. We’ve talked to multiple Tokyo properties that have already completely booked-out through the Olympics. That’s why a neighborhood guide is critical in preparing for the games. This way, when you’re searching hotel accommodations still available, Airbnb, and VRBO, you’ll know exactly what ‘hood to hone in on. 

Here are the neighborhoods in Tokyo (and the surrounding prefectures) you’ll want to eat, sleep, and hang out in during the 32nd Summer Olympics, which kicks off on July 24.

Above, the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios in Setagaya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some Olympics attendees may also be Godzilla fans and want to see kaiju-oriented locations and attactions. To obtain a copy of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, go here.

To read more, go here. 

TravelPulse: "7 Insights for Traveling to Japan"

Above, the Wako department store clock tower with its winter lights. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are considering a vacation trip to Japan and wonder what to expect, TravelPulse has and article on "7 Insights for Traveling to Japan".

They cover such topics as hospitality, safety, transportation, lodging, quirks, toilets and Christmas at KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken).

They begin with:

With Tokyo hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics, many tourists are making plans to cross the Pacific and visit the Asian country of Japan for the first time. This group of islands offers some great sights, sounds and experiences throughout, so don’t limit yourself to Tokyo. From Mount Fuji to the marshlands of Hokkaido to Japan’s tiniest island of Shikoku, each prefecture offers its own magic. Here is just a sampling of what you will find in this enchanted country.

To read more, go here. 

Things To Do In Tokyo During The Olympics

Above, one of the suggestions is to see the view from the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, many would-be tourists will likely wait it out until after the games are over before heading to Japan. Hotel rooms will probably be hard to find during the Olympics.

But, if one is going to Tokyo for the Olympics, there is much to see and do there in-between events. Tokyo Cheapo has listed some of them along with transportation tips.

They begin with:

So you’re in Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics, and between events you have some time to spare? Well, lucky you’re in one of the most exciting, attraction-filled cities in the world. 

While there’s no shortage of things to see, do, eat and experience, the abundant options can at times get a little overwhelming, so it’s highly recommended that you plan ahead. If you want to get a taste of everything, then this is the bucket list for you. We’ve thrown in some handy transport and connectivity hacks too, for good measure. 

The best bit? All of these tours and passes are bookable on the same platform, Klook. Plus, Tokyo Cheapo readers who are also first-time Klook customers spending over $100 USD can use this exclusive promo code to get $5 USD off Japan activities: TCKLOOK (valid until 31 August, 2020).

To read more, go here. 

CNN Travel: Tokyo's Cultural Attractions

Above, the Wako department store in Ginza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those considering a visit to Japan, and Tokyo in particular, CNN Travel has posed a travel guide to the city's cultural attractions.

They begin it with:

Tokyo (CNN) — Tokyo is arguably one of the most modern cities in the world, a heaving metropolis with its sights set fully on the future. 

But look closer and you'll see plenty of examples of how it has embraced its cultural traditions along the way. 

Founded as Edo, modern-day Tokyo was the seat of power for the ruling Tokugawa shogunate -- the Japanese military government -- from 1603 until 1868. During this period of stability, the city established its status as a global metropolis, where the Ukiyo, or "floating world," lifestyle blossomed. 

Residents settled into the pleasure-seeking aspects of the culture: indulging in kabuki performances, geisha entertainers and sumo wrestling contests -- traditions that continue today. 

Scenes from the era were captured in Ukiyo-e -- paintings and woodblock prints -- such as "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Hokusai. They depicted subjects such as samurai warriors, nature landscapes and even erotica. 

A new exhibition celebrating the great Ukiyo-e artists of that era has just opened at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. It's just one of a huge number of events celebrating art, music and dance -- both traditional and contemporary -- being held as the city gears up for the 2020 Summer Olympics. 

But evidence of Tokyo's ability to honor the customs of the past -- all while forging the city of the future -- can be found throughout the city as well. 

Here, we offer a travel guide on how to fully immerse yourself in the best of Tokyo's old and new while visiting some popular city districts.

To read more, go here. 

Historic Harajuku Station To Be Demolished After Olympics

Above, Harajuku Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It seems that the East Japan Railway Company doesn't give a whit about preserving history.

Japan Today reported that the company will demolish the historic station due to "safety reasons" following the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

They wrote:

TOKYO - Back in June 2016, East Japan Railway announced it would be rebuilding Harajuku Station ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and while the new design promised a more modern building better able to cope with the huge crowds of commuters in the area, they were yet to make a decision on whether they would be able to preserve the old building or somehow merge it into the facade of the new one. 

Now, after three years of consultations with local retail associations and Shibuya Ward, where the station is located, JR East has come to a decision over the fate of the near-century-old building, and the conclusion they’ve reached is that the old station needs to be demolished. 

While the building, which was built in 1924 in a European style, is Tokyo’s oldest wooden station and a historic landmark, the structure itself isn’t sufficiently fire-resistant, and therefore needs to be taken away for safety reasons. 

A JR East representative said, “There were people who voiced opinions over wanting to preserve its long history, but for safety reasons the decision was made to demolish the building”. 

The wooden building will be torn down after the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo and replaced with a new one currently being built adjacent to it, with the grand opening scheduled for March 21 next year. While the new station will take over operations when it opens, the final completion date for works at the site is scheduled for Aug 31, 2021, a year after the Olympic Games.

To read more, go here. 

Foreign Lodgers In Japan Hit Record 88 Million

Above, Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japanese hotel (and other accommodations) industry are very pleased over the record number of foreign lodgers last year.

The Japan Times reported:

The estimated number of foreign guests at hotels and other types of accommodations in the country hit a record 88.59 million in 2018, the Japan Tourism Agency said Thursday. 

The figure surpassed 80 million for the first time as the government steps up efforts to draw foreign visitors for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The pace of increase, however, slowed to 11.2 percent from 14.8 percent the previous year, according to the data.

To read more, go here. 

Narita Airport To Extend Operating Hours

Above, a China Airlines jet at Narita Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With the exception of two local municipalities near Narita International Airport, an agreement has been reached to extend the airport's operating hours.

The two municipalities object to the noise from planes from late night arrivals and departures.

NHK World reported:

Narita Airport, near Tokyo, is expected to extend its operating hours until midnight, starting in October. 

The transport ministry and the airport's operator had asked nine neighboring municipalities to allow the extension for one of the two runways until 12 midnight, one hour longer than now. 

The extension is aimed at receiving more visitors ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Considering Convention Center At Former Tsukiji Fish Market Site

Above, the Tsukiji Fish Market in 2010. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the closed Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo has been relocated to Toyosu, the Tokyo Metropolitan government is considering the future use of the former site.

The Japan Times reported:

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is considering building a complex including a convention center on the site of the closed Tsukiji fish market, a source close to the matter said Wednesday. 

On Jan. 25 the Tokyo authorities will outline a draft redevelopment plan for the 23-hectare site of the former fish market, which closed last October after 83 years of operation, the source said. The draft plan is expected to be finalized by the end of March. 

Tokyo has already decided to use the location temporarily as parking lots for athletes and staff during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The city government is also considering opening a luxury hotel, hoping to attract more business people and foreign tourists by using the site that had become a popular tourist attraction. Plans for the redevelopment include leasing the site to private-sector entities.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Hits Record 31 Million Foreign Visitors In 2018

Above, a night view of the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is on the way to reaching their goal of 40 million visitors by next year when the 2020 Olympic Games are held in Tokyo.

Kyodo News reported:

The estimated number of foreign tourists to Japan reached a record high 31.19 million in 2018, up 8.7 percent from the previous year and rising for the seventh straight year, Japan's tourism minister said Friday. 

Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Keiichi Ishii credited the growth to relaxation of visa requirements for travelers from such countries as Russia, India and the Philippines, as well as promotions overseas. 

"The government's efforts have brought the desired result," said Ishii. "There is a sign of us hitting the 40 million mark on the horizon."

To read more, go here. 

Best Japan Destinations For 2019

Above, the Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As 2018 draws to a close, The Japan Times has posted an article on the best Japan travel destinations they recommend for 2019. 

None of what they recommend I have ever been to. But they are intriguing.

They begin with:

As 2018 comes to an end, The Japan Times’ Escape section looks forward to next year and the opportunities for travel around the country in 2019. 

The year is an important one for Japan: It sees the Rugby World Cup arrive on its shores, the first time the tournament will be held in Asia. Beyond that, the country is gearing up for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the accompanying tourist boom. Still, there are plenty of places well off the beaten track to explore, and some firm favorites that should be visited no matter how many others are already there. Read on for some of The Japan Times’ recommendations for where to go in the new year.

To see what they are, go here. 

Narita Airport Hiring More Foreign Workers

Above, Narita Airport's departure Terminal 1. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Need a job? Would you like to work at an airport in Japan?

If so, this may be your lucky day! To meet the influx in foreign visitors to Japan, Narita Airport is looking to hire more foreign workers.

According to the Mainichi:

CHIBA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Japan's largest international gateway is hiring more foreigners to better serve non-Japanese visitors as they arrive in increasing numbers under the government's policy to promote inbound tourism. 

The move by Narita International Airport Corp. comes as the country seeks to attract 40 million visitors by 2020, when Tokyo hosts the Olympics and Paralympic, and 60 million by 2030, so as to achieve economic growth amid a shrinking domestic market characterized by an aging population and a persistently low birthrate. 

The transport ministry is now considering creating a new visa status to expand foreign employment at airports nationwide to counter expected shortages of Japanese workers there.

To read more, go here. 

New Shibuya Mall Opening In September

Above, Shibuya Scramble, the side of Shibuya that most people are familiar with. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Shibuya shopping district is getting a major re-vamp.

Shibuya Station is getting re-done and a new mall with riverside strolling areas is set to open in September.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO - Ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, officials have been making extensive efforts to overhaul the city not only to be more tourist friendly, but also to beautify and restore. For example, smokers are facing tighter restrictions, and older places like Harajuku Station are getting a remake. Of course, if you’ve spent much time in Shibuya, you’ll know that it’s one of the dirtiest places in Tokyo, and although that admittedly isn’t saying much, since the city is generally pretty spic-span, it’s still deserving of a nice makeover. 

In addition to a revamp of old buildings like the iconic Shibuya 109, major changes are being made to the famous shopping area to bring about a new, more pleasant shine in Shibuya. One such change is a new building called “Shibuya Stream," which appears to be intended to refresh the formerly boring south side of the station. 

Shibuya Stream sits in the former Shibuya Southern District, at the point where the Shibuya River emerges from its underground flow. The complex is built with the riverside in mind, and the theme of the first three floors is “Shibuya Style: Custom Shibuya“. They have recruited 30 businesses that target “adults who have their own style and live their life their own way”; twenty-one of these places are new to the area, the city, or the country, so visitors have plenty to look forward to.

To read more and see concept illustrations, go here. 

Japan Not A Top Destination For Westerners

Above, the Godzilla mural at Toho Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A recent survey found that Japan is a popular tourist destination for people of other Asian nations, but as far as Westerners are concerned, not so popular.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO - Japan’s alluring contrast of tradition and contemporary has made it a fantastic getaway destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in country known worldwide for anime, video games and cuisine. 

And thanks to the 2020 Olympic Games looming on the horizon, the country attracted a record number of tourists in 2017, totaling a whopping 28.69 million people. Chinese (7.35 million) and South Korean (7.14 million) travelers claimed the top spots, but according to the survey, only a paltry 3 million tourists hailed from Western countries.

There are reasons, more like misperceptions, for this:

They’ve found that several factors could have contributed to the apparent lack of visitors from Western countries, including long travel distances and the general perception that Japan is an expensive country to visit. 

Nevertheless, those reasons pale in comparison to what is probably the biggest obstacle preventing Westerners from enjoying Japan to its fullest: the language.

To read more (the article has a nighttime photo of the Godzilla head in Shinjuku), go here. 

Tokyo To Illuminate Historic Buildings During Olympics

Above, the Tokyo Skytree and Asahi Beer Hall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is well known for its nighttime lighting, but they are going to pull out the stops during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Jiji Press reported:

Tokyo, Jan. 13 (Jiji Press)--The Tokyo metropolitan government plans to decorate historical buildings and other structures with lights toward the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the Japanese capital, officials have said. 

The metropolitan government aims to make night views in Tokyo more attractive, as visitors from abroad are expected to increase before and during the quadrennial sporting events, the officials also said. 

In a draft strategy on night illuminations for its historical buildings, the metropolitan government designated three areas for intensive illuminations--along the Sumida River and around the Tokyo Bay, around Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace, and around the State Guest House at the Akasaka Palace.

To read more, go here. 

Seven-Eleven Japanese Stores To Include English In Labeling

Above, a Seven-Eleven store beneath a Denny's restaurant in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Foreign visitors to Japan who stop at convenience stores to pick up a snack are often perplexed about what a prepared food item contains.

Seven-Eleven Japan Co. is doing something about it. They are going to label products in Japanese and English.

According to Kyodo News:

Seven-Eleven Japan Co., the country's largest convenience store chain operator, will start selling onigiri rice balls and some other prepared foods with labels carrying product names in both Japanese and English from the new year. 

Seven-Eleven Japan President Kazuki Furuya said during an interview with Kyodo News on Thursday that the measure is in response to requests from foreign tourists, whose number has been soaring and is expected to rise further ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. 

"More foreign customers will be using convenience stores in Japan in the future," Furuya said, adding he hopes foreign tourists' visits to Seven-Eleven stores in Japan will lead to a stronger brand power of the company in the United States, China and Southeast Asia where it is opening more stores. 

According to the company, the number of foreign visitors purchasing products at its stores has been growing in big cities and popular tourist destinations.

To read more, go here.